The first time ever I saw the Whites

HarryofOz

My first time

I began supporting Leeds at the tender age of fourteen. Until then I had only followed the local game in South Africa. My team was known as Cape Town City. They went bust and out of existence in 1979 – sound familiar? But that’s an aside.

My mate who got me interested in the world game – England style – was a Leeds supporter (his mum was from Leeds) and I followed suit.

I followed Leeds from afar for many years. In those days reading my Shoot and listening to the BBC world service on a Saturday afternoon. Remember when all games kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday. Occasionally we got to see pirated copies of ‘Match of the day’ what with the boycotts against South Africa and all. We did get the FA Cup final live, but Leeds never quite made it.

In 1988 I moved to Australia and got my first taste of regular English (highlight shows and FA cup finals only) and world football via the television screen. Of course it took a few years for Leeds themselves to make to the top flight.

With the advent of Pay-TV, I finally got a regular dosage of live football from the premier league and got to see the mighty whites on many an occasion. We were going well in those days.

And then the ultimate (at this point in my Leeds supporting life anyway), Leeds announced that they were coming to play in Melbourne, Australia in a pre-season friendly. My mate and I decided to fly to Melbourne for the rare opportunity to watch the one and only Leeds United in action.

Finally the big day arrived – Saturday 27 July 2002. My mate and I flew down on the Saturday morning and booked ourselves into the hotel – the same hotel as the Leeds lads were staying.

Who’s that? Wow, its Eirik Bakke and Dominic Matteo – I can’t believe I am so close to my heroes, footballers who play for Leeds United – this is just great. A bit gushy for a 38-year-old, but I couldn’t help myself. Unfortunately they had disappeared before we could get their autographs.

But we didn’t give up, we hung around and waited. The first player saw was Lucas Radebe limping up the stairs. He gladly signed my book and my mate’s shirt. Soon the autographs were flowing – Harte, Venables, Fowler, Keane, Woodgate, Viduka, Bowyer (more on that later), Kewell (just scrawled initials and not his proper signature naturally), Gray (the great man himself), Duberry, Wilcox, Robinson, Dacourt and more.

While getting Bowyer to sign my autograph book I said ‘Lee mate, there’s just one more thing I’d like you to sign.’ He just laughed, the bastard, and soon left Elland Road without putting pen to a new contract.

But on to the match itself. Sitting there with the feeling of excitement welling up inside of me. I had to pinch myself – I can’t believe this I am going to see Leeds live. Live! Live! Who cares if it’s a friendly, its Leeds live !!!!!!!!

The stadium sound system swelled to the sound of ‘Marching on together’ and I sang at the top of my voice, sang with pride and heart-felt pleasure. Never mind that I was the only one in the immediate vicinity doing so – Aussies don’t sing like English football fans.

And at last the game began. It began very brightly for Leeds with Bowyer, Bakke, McPhail, Smith and Kewell in fine form. Culminating in a wonder goal for Leeds by Kewell to give us a 1-0 half time lead. Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! We held on to win by that solitary goal, thanks to an excellent performance by Paul Robinson in the Leeds goal.

The final whistle blew, Leeds had won. But that was beside the point (though a great bonus). I had finally done it; I had seen Leeds United Association Football Club live in action in front of my very eyes.

I stood an applauded till my hands hurt as the players did a lap of honour. Once again singing the words of ‘Marching on together’ as loud as I could.

What an experience, what a great time, what a privilege, what a honour, what a fantastic feeling. My first time! And as it turned out, not my last as soon as I was to travel to England and see Leeds at their home ground of Elland Road...but that's for another post (see I'm doing an Oz White

)

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There's no 'I' in 'team'. But then there's no 'I' in 'useless smug colleague', either. And there're four in 'platitude-quoting idiot'. Go figure.

Cockney White · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:01 am Post subject:

A great read, H..!! Cheers Mate.. thumbright

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"LEEDS UNITED CONTRA MUNDUM"

1985 · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:25 am Post subject:

Brilliant story Harry, I totally appreciate the time and effort it takes to put a report like that down its just a shame most don't recognise it and also you didnt take any piccy's ! keep up the good work i love reading stuff like this.

HarryofOz · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:29 am Post subject:

Thanks lads. Didn't have a digital camera in those day 1985.

Was hoping others would add to the thread and tell of their first time.

_________________
There's no 'I' in 'team'. But then there's no 'I' in 'useless smug colleague', either. And there're four in 'platitude-quoting idiot'. Go figure.

Joe1 · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 46

My uncle was the one who turned me to Leeds, and I'm forever grateful to him for that. At first it was just a name, someone to say I supported when asked, it built gradually and I got a shirt, started following results and gradually became addicted to Leeds United.

My first game was quite lucky overall, a relative in Carlisle phoned up and told us that one of his mates had 2 season tickets at old trafford and happened to not be going to the Leeds game. So we booked flights over and politely asked to stay with family in Rochdale.

On matchday I met David at the train station and we headed for the stadium. On arrival I was disgusted at the sea of red around me. Unfortunately I was not allowed to show my shirt as I was well warned from many people. The place meant nothing to me, and I can't remember it that much.

But when in the stadium, the Leeds fans packed into the corner, I saw them and realised for the first time how amazing Leeds fans are, well actually I heard them and realised. Throughout the whole game, they easily drowned out the little noise that came from the home support.

Of course, I was sitting next to the home support, but the seats were brilliant, almost pitch side and quite close to the halfway line. We conceded and I was speechless, these prats around me were dancing around while we just sat there. Stunned, but the amazing thing was we seemed to score immediately, Smith equilised. I don't know how long after their goal it was but the scum were still bouncing around, then it was their turn to be stunned. I immediately jumped up, then caught myself on and just laughed, for about 10 minuted, we'd done it. Kicked them right in the nuts when they least expected it. My uncle was less cautious than I was at that stage and remained jumping up and down long enough to draw stares from the whole area we were in. But luckily, we seemed to be in an area with quite a few families so we it didn't matter.

Anyway, the Leeds fans partied for the rest of the game. When we left the stadium, the last few Leeds fans seemed to be exiting below a bridge or something and the scum started chanting galatasary which left me with a sour ttaste in my mouth as we headed back.

I really enjoyed my first Leeds game, but it was nothing compared to my first game at ER which I will always remember as I get the same feelings every time I go.

1985 · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 1:27 pm Post subject:

My first ever Leeds game was when i was 10 years old it was Wolves at home, and this is how that day changed my life forever !!
Having an older brother who was always going on about the boys i new one day i would be able to go with him to a match,(but it didnt quite go like that ?

We used to live in Bradford in the early 80s, about 12 miles from Elland Rd, and whilst my brother was following Leeds home and away 70s/80s, me and my mate Craig used to go down to valley parade and the stewards used to let us in for nowt when we lied that our Dads were inside !!

Anyway this particular day around 81/82 season City were away and so we got a day rover to go and travel on buses and trains around west Yorkshire, we got the train to Leeds station, and as we were arriving so was the Wolverhampton Special,

I think it was the whole police escort and the singing and chaos what followed what made us follow there escort to elland rd ? The walk under the dark arches and over Holbeck moor was something what got me addicted to following Leeds before i had even watched them play !!

Anyway once at the ground me and Craig just walked round staring at everyone in there scarfs and flags, you could here the crowd from the Kop chanting and singing, We didnt have the money to pay in the ground and so we walked round to the west stand when all of a sudden i got an Almighty clip round my lug hole, It was our kid, he was going mad with me saying if dad was to find out i would be dead, i started crying and then our kids mate took pitty on us and i remember him buying us some crisps and a carton of orange juice to share, he then paid us in to the old boys pen,

We soon learned how to sneak from the boys pen to the top of the kop with the older lads, there i was 10 years old with all the blokes singing "we are Leeds" and swearing ETC, I got so much attention from the older boy's that i new then that this was my new adopted family !!

I couldn't wait till Monday to tell all my friends at school, and if i remember no one cared ! I thought then oh bollocks to them there's only me and Craig what understands, After this we started knocking off school to go watch the lads practice on Fullerton park,

Leeds Utd was to change my life for the next 25 years and at least untill the world stops going round.
Gaz

Oz White · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 11:55 pm Post subject:

Good theme Harry! And good stories 1985 and Joe1 and, of course, Harry!

I've already done mine! But it's a matter of time and a good memory. Maybe even some have never been to ER or witnessed their first LUFC game. That's not a derogatory remark, as some may be unable to do so due to location or other impediment.

Waiting for Chapter 2, Harry Wink

Cheers

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Son of Leeds...Fan since Oakwell Xmas 1949...
Life wasn't meant to be easy...WE ARE LEEDS!

onloantodiv1 · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 12:16 pm Post subject:

i first went to see leeds on a news years day 17 years ago, before that the only football match id ever been to was halseowen town and moorgreen with my grandad. He was my real inspiriation for football, he got sent to war just after signing for birmingham city, he was still playing football at the age of 76, he was my best friend. I can't remeber who we played, but my dad bought me the ticket for 11 pound, and i sat with my uncle barry in the west stand (he's not realy my uncle, but i call him that as hes always took me to the footy and i still stand with him today).

To be honest i spent most fo the game with my eyes on the gelderd, watching the passion, hearing the songs, and from that moment i knew where i wanted to be. I was a kop boy. The Game finished 0-0. Everyone around me in the stand was moaning, (something i would later learn is normal for leeds fans). But i loved it.

Tanhilltimmy · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:53 am Post subject:

11/01/1971 Rotherham United (FACR3) (A) 0 - 0 24000

Lorimer hit a scremer from 30 yards...somehow goalie tip it around the post.

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www.loveleedshatebates.com

halfaperson · Allan Clarke Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 754

Sure Oz made a reply to this or is senility kicking in. I remember this game it was a couple of days before my 11th birthday and wanted to go as a birthday treat. Didnt make it though, had to make do with not having to fetch the coal in.

Just had a bit of a shock actually. For years I thought I saw my first game at the beginning of 68 against The Then European champions Trafford Borough. A 2-2 Draw. That would have made me start supporting the whites round about August 67.
Turns out it was 6-9-69 that I saw my first game and not 1968. Cant remember much about the game. I spent most of it on my dads shoulder at the back of the Lowfields. I was sure Billy got an equalizer but im beginning to doubt that now. Anyone got any details? Mr Oz? I do know it was an incredible atmosphere, the noise was awesome and I was hooked from that day on. Also remember a bit of argy bargy around the ground as well that was, shall we say a little exciting.

Jailhouse John · Jack Charlton Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 132

I actually cannot remember my first game but I know it must have been about 1948 and that my dad picked me up and lifted over the turnstyle so he didnt have to pay for me - I was too young to go in the boys pen by myself - I suppose I must have been about 4.

I can remember other things though, being passed down to the front of the West Stand paddock and some poor bugger having to hold me sat on the wall!! I can remember the smells and the colours and the bells and rattles, the swearing and the 'Roar'.

Later on in the early 1950's when I was in the boys pen I can remember specific games and goals especially FA cup games - they sometimes sold cup tickets at the week before's reserve game.

I can remember away games at Rochdale in the cup and Oldham in the league (won at Rochdale but lost at Oldham after being up at half time - they had a player called Scrine who scored I think).

For the rest read Ozwhite because we usually went to ER together then

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JJ

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